Jaes Ross, director of bands at East Kentwood High School, was chosen as band director of the year for District 10 last year. Because of this award, he had the honor of conducting the 7th grade honors band.

KENTWOOD, Mich.-- Schuler Books invites the public to a night dedicated to local authors.

On Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. there will be four featured authors: Tobin Buhk, author of "Poisoning, The Pecks of Grand Rapids"; Linda Gordon, author of "Nine Months of Spiritual Maturity"; Kris Kaiser, author of "Proclivity"; and Peter Welmerink, author of "Transport."

During this special evening, each author will give a short presentation before taking questions from the audience. Patrons may also get their books signed.

HOLLAND, Mich.-- Elzinga & Volkers (E&V), a leading provider of construction management services, will celebrate its 70th anniversary by launching a 70 Random Acts of Kindness initiative throughout West Michigan.

The year-long program will see all employees continuing to give back to the communities that have supported E&V’s growth over the past seven decades. Team members will venture out into the community with the financial resources to make a difference wherever they feel drawn to help. During the campaign, everyone’s goal will be the same: make a positive impact in the lives of the people they meet.

KENTWOOD, Mich.-- The community is invited to visit to The Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport located at 4741 28th Street SE on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 4 p.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of their newly remodeled facility.

For more information about Kentwood-Wyoming happenings, call (616) 531-5990 or visit www.southkent.org.

Many municipalities are offering free tree recycling services to residents with a natural tree. Some communities are planning to put the trees through a chipper and use the remnants to cover park trails and other green spaces. Here is the schedule for live tree drop-offs:

Ada Township (Through Jan. 12)

Ada Township Park, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Alpine Township (Through Jan. 31)

Behind Township Hall, 5255 Alpine Ave. NW

Cannon Township (Through Jan. 10)

West side of the township building; RHS Honor Society will help unload trees Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (donations encouraged)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Clean out your closets, help people find jobs and get a deal on tickets for Broadway Grand Rapids with the new deal by Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids.

The nonprofit organization is offering $20 off tickets to “Annie” to people who donate gently used clothing or household items to any Goodwill store. You can find the list of locations here. The coupon is good for select seats during the Jan. 13 performance at DeVos Performance Hall. Goodwill will also be accepting gently used coats at DeVos Hall on opening night.

“Annie” runs through Jan. 13-18. The musical is centered on a determined orphan who journeys through New York looking for her parents. Her adventure includes foiling the plots of Miss Hannigan, who runs the orphanage; meeting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and finding a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Bookworms across West Michigan banded together this holiday season to help local charities.

Kent District Libraries says patrons and staff collected nearly 16,000 items for the 18-month KDL Gives Back initiative. The donations are going to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Kent Intermediate School District, Humane Society of West Michigan, Family Promise of Grand Rapids, the Post-Partum Clinic at Pine Rest, School Supply Santa and Kid’s Food Basket. KDL recently delivered approximately 750 hygiene products, snacks and other goodies to the veterans’ home. The delivery also included 500 letters to vets written by adults and children and $457 raised through library staff jean days.